Hereditary angioedema: modification of clinical manifestations with androgens

Hereditary angio-neurotic edema is an autosomal dominant trait of decreased levels or function of circulating and tissue C'1 esterase inhibitor. The clinical illness is characterized by disabling episodes of peripheral, oropharyngeal and gut wall edema. Long term fluoxymesterone treatment of 5 affected males (393 patient months) and oxymetholone treatment of 6 affected females (204 patient months) has significantly decreased the frequency of attacks of edema without substantive side effects.